General Session - Plenary 2

Director of Network Culture and Organizational Health
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
Alicia Jones is the Director of Network Culture and Organizational Health at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. She collaborates with organizations to ensure that their internal engagement and work with partner and allied organizations in their state align with our race, equity, and inclusion values and goals. Prior to joining the Center, Jones led key organizing and strategic political activities at the Indivisible Project, including co-creating and executing its electoral organizing model and advancing and stewarding its racial equity, culture, and belonging goals.

She began her campaign and advocacy career in 2008 as a fellow for Obama For America, now known as Organizing for America, in Savannah, Georgia. This initiated her deep investment in local and state elections. Her professional experiences also include leading advocacy and climate justice campaigns for candidates and nonprofits.

Jones has spent the last decade contributing to electoral and social justice work as an Equity Advocate and Restorative Justice Practitioner, having served on various community-focused boards, and as a trainer and equity advisor for movement, C3, C4 and PAC organizations.

Jones earned her certification in Conflict Resolution and Diversity Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University and holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from Savannah State University.

President and Co-Founder
Can’t Stop! Won’t Stop! Consulting
Gregory Allan Datu Cendana, the President and Co-Founder of Can’t Stop! Won’t Stop! Consulting and Education Fund is a dancer, cultural and political strategist, facilitator, entrepreneur, and author. Recently, Gregory was named to the UCLA Alumni Association Bruin Business 100. Under his leadership as President of the United States Student Association, the organization played a key role in the passage of both the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, and the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act.

As the youngest-ever and first openly gay Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, co-founder of Can’t Stop! Won’t Stop! Consulting and Education Fund, and two other organizations – The People’s Collective for Justice and Liberation, and the diversity initiative Inclusv – the first openly gay chair of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans and #1 International Best Selling Author of #BeTheBossNow, Gregory’s work is driven from his commitment to create conditions for others to to live in radical joy and be their full selves –capable of fulfilling their wildest dreams.

Gregory has strong ties to his Filipino family and heritage and serves on the board of directors for United We Dream. He co-published a first-of-its-kind report on the impact of mass criminalization and incarceration on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and has been named one of the 30 Most Influential Asian Americans Under 30, and one of 40 Influential Asian Americans in Washington.

Gregory also previously served a two-year term on the Washington DC, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Advisory Committee under the leadership of Mayor Vince Gray. Following this appointment, the current DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser, appointed him to serve on the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Board of Pharmacy. Gregory also co-founded the Washington Highlands Civic Association and served as its Vice President. He has been named one of Washington DC's most influential 40-and-under young leaders, appeared on DC’s Inaugural Power 30 Under 30™ Award Recipients list, and was donned a Capital Pride Hero.

Social Worker

As a social worker, Shelby has worked in education for the past 15 years. Shelby is passionate about creating a culture of curiosity and infusing storytelling with intentional data collection, strategic planning, and community partnerships. In her role as Chief Partnership Officer, she creates and maintains partnerships with cities, districts, and other public entities to ensure youth experiencing homelessness have the resources and support to thrive. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, focusing on community-centered integrative practice. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Cal State Long Beach, studying the ways in which social-emotional learning competencies empower students. As a former AmeriCorps member, Shelby is passionate about the importance of community engagement, creating sustainable systems change, and intentional collaboration. She aims to bring her passion for social justice and systems change to Project Hope Alliance to ensure all youth have the opportunity to thrive. Jones earned her certification in Conflict Resolution and Diversity Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University and holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from Savannah State University.

Orangewood Foundation
Dr. Tiffany Mitchell is a seasoned leader with a doctorate in clinical psychology and over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has dedicated her career to advocating for children, youth, and marginalized communities, focusing on breaking down barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. Her work emphasizes mental health, social support, and equitable access to resources, ensuring that every individual can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Currently serving as the Chief Program Officer at Orangewood Foundation, Dr. Mitchell leads innovative programs that empower foster youth and young adults to heal from early adversities and reach their full potential. In addition to her role at Orangewood, Dr. Mitchell is an elected member of the Orange County Continuum of Care Board, where she ensures that homelessness strategies are inclusive of the unique needs of young people.

With expertise in systems change and a deep understanding of the intersections between education, mental health, and stable housing, Dr. Mitchell is a powerful advocate for fostering resilience and success in the lives of foster students. She brings a compassionate, informed perspective to addressing the challenges they face in the educational system.